Dear Stevie Wonder: I live in Florida. Please don’t boycott me!

First of all, it’s an honor. I feel unworthy to even call you “Mister,” or address you directly or look in your general direction. Because even though you would not see me looking … you’d KNOW. I just have a feeling. You’re kinda magic.

So, Mister Wonder Sir Duke General of the Original Musicquarium…the reason that I’m bugging you is that I’m a massive fan. I bought your very expensive “At the Close of A Century” box set three times, once for my folks and twice for me, because somebody must have “borrowed” some CDs and never returned them. I have loved you ever since “Songs In The Key of Life” came out when I was five and my Daddy used to sing “Isn’t She Lovely” to me, since he took my sister and I to see you sing on the National Mall to rally for Dr. King’s birthday becoming a holiday, since I bought “Ebony and Ivory,” my very first single, in 1982, and refused to let other people make fun of it, because you know they did. But you and Sir Paul had your hearts in the right place, and even though that heart took you to some very cheesy places, it was all beautifully sincere.

Which brings me to your boycott of Florida, where the Stand Your Ground rule and the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin have led you to announce that you won’t be playing in this state — or any other state with a similar law — until those laws are abolished.

I understand. But…and this is the only way I can put this…I am not Florida. I just live here. I certainly was not on the jury, nor am I in the legislature. I’m just a big giant fan. And I would prefer you were here, rallying and singing and showing your support, rather than punishing me and other fans for something we had nothing to do with.

I share your disgust – I think that the verdict reflected the evidence, but still doesn’t address all we don’t know, and exactly how the person who was minding their own business is now dead. I understand your frustration and anger, as someone with young men that they love who have been profiled and followed and harassed for the simple act of living. Heck, I’m a 40-something woman, and it happens to me. This happens everywhere. But am I worried that this decision is going to make it seem OK for others in Florida to shoot first and ask questions later, while police have to be coerced into even investigating and just take the shooter’s word for it because the dead person can’t contradict yet? You bet I am.

And I understand how Florida would bear the brunt of your anger, because there are some very screwed things happening here. But the state is not the audience. The state, yes, is made up of some people who have allowed some very screwed up things to happen, and when given the chance those of us who disagree are trying to vote those people out. There are some beautiful things about Florida, including the ocean, an amazingly diverse population, lots of creativity and a sunset you can’t deny. There are also many people who love you, Stevie Wonder, who love your heart and your sincerity, who have been rallied to action and thought and love by your music, who respect the heck out of you and your convictions.

Please don’t punish us for the state we live in. Please come. Rally. Protest. Sing. It worked with Dr. King’s holiday! It might again! Preach to us with your wisdom, those of us still living just enough for the city, as well as for the gated community and the tiny town.

Help us. Be the change you want to see in the state.

Start by booking a show.

Love, Leslie Gray Streeter, a huge giant fan, who still voluntarily tells people about that “Ebony and Ivory” thing.